Topics in Solid State Electronics – Cryogenic Electronics and Measurement Techniques for Computing, Sensing, and Power Applications (EE 539)

Exploiting quantum phenomena often requires cryogenic cooling to suppress thermal effects or drive phase transitions. This course introduces the physics of matter at low temperatures and examines phenomena that emerge or intensify in this regime, including the quantum Hall effect and superconductivity. It also covers electrical transport in cryogenic semiconductor amplifiers and superconducting Josephson junctions used in quantum and classical computing. Virtual guest lecturers will highlight major current and emerging applications of superconductors—from aircraft motor rotors to fusion‑reactor magnets and proton‑therapy accelerators. Because these technologies rely on advanced cooling, the course concludes with an introduction to cryogenic engineering, including cooling methods, instrumentation, cryocooler thermodynamics, and practical thermal considerations for wiring and mounting devices in cryostats.

Introduction to Semiconductor Devices and their Operating Principles (ECE 280)

Overview of modern electronic and photonic devices underlying modern electronic products including smartphones, traffic lights, lasers, solar cells, personal computers, and chargers. Introduction to modeling and principles of physics relevant to the analysis of electrical and optical/photonic devices.

Computer Hardware Skills/Making Breaking & Hacking It (ECE 201)

An exclusively lab-based class focused on basic hands-on skills for electrical and computer engineers. Topics include soldering, PCB layout, basic microcontroller coding, 3D printing, use of basic test and measurement equipment, file management and version control.An exclusively lab-based class focused on basic hands-on skills for electrical and computer engineers. Topics include soldering, PCB layout, basic microcontroller coding, 3D printing, use of basic test and measurement equipment, file management and version control.

Analog Electronics (PHGN 215)

Introduction to analog devices used in modern electronics and basic topics in electrical engineering. Introduction to methods of electronics measurements, particularly the application of oscilloscopes and computer based data acquisition. Topics covered include circuit analysis, electrical power, diodes, transistors (FET and BJT), operational amplifiers, filters, transducers, and integrated circuits. Laboratory experiments in the use of basic electronics for physical measurements. Emphasis is on practical knowledge gained in the laboratory, including prototyping, troubleshooting, and laboratory notebook style.

Low Temperature and Microwave Measurement for Quantum Applications (EEGN/PHGN 532)

The goal of the course is to provide hands on training in high-frequency, low-temperature measurements which are requisite for quantum information applications. This course introduces the fundamentals of high-frequency measurements, the latest techniques for accuracy-enhanced automated microwave measurements, low-temperature measurement techniques, low noise measurements, and common devices used in quantum information. The course will have three modules. The first module, basics of electronic measurements, will include chip layout, power measurements, ground loop testing, impedance measurements, noise fundamentals, cable and device fabrication and care. The second module, high frequency measurements, will include measurements of basic scattering parameters, accuracy enhancement and calibration, transmission line, amplifier, and oscillator characterization including noise measurements. The third module, low-temperature measurements, will cover critical parameters for superconductors and Josephson junctions, measurements of superconducting resonators, characterization of low-temperature electronic elements including amplifiers. At the end of this course the students will know how to use network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, cryostats, the software Eagle for chip design, amplifiers, and filters.

 Advanced Physics Graduate Seminar (PHGN501, PHGN502, PHGN601, PHGN602)

This is a weekly physics colloquium series for master’s, Ph.D., and faculty in the Department of Physics.

High-T_c Superconductor Research (PHGN 499B)

Theory associated with plastic and elastic dynamics of vortices in highly anisotropic superconductors

Quantum Engineering Master’s Program

I co-developed one of the nation’s first graduate Quantum Engineering programs, along with a small interdisciplinary team of faculty at the Colorado School of Mines. The program offers the following:

Senior Design Practice and Honors Senior Design (PHGN 471/472/481/482)